Texas boy with pentagram carved back discharged

The boy seems to be doing OK, while his mother is in "a very emotional state" and has asked for privacy for their family, Richland Hills police detective Tye Bell said. The child's wounds didn't require stitches and he was released from a Fort Worth hospital Wednesday night, police said.

Some medical experts say the boy may need counseling to overcome the traumatic incident.

Brent Troy Bartel, 39, remained jailed Thursday on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in lieu of $500,000 bond. Police say they plan to seek a mental evaluation.

Bartel called 911 early Wednesday and said he had shed "innocent blood" and inscribed a pentagram on his son because it was "a holy day," according to a recording of the brief call. It is not clear to which faith he was referring. Wednesday's date was 12-12-12, a once-in-a-century event.

The case has been turned over to the district attorney, and investigators cannot reveal what, if anything, Bartel has told them — such as explaining his actions or why he used the pentagram symbol, police Sgt. Nathan Stringer said.